Gaming cafes are where the city's locking horns

For many, it’s also more than just play. Vikas Guru, an IT professional who plays regularly with his childhood friends, says, “You work all day, and this is something you do for yourself.” That change, from timepass to something people actively make time for, is exactly why gaming cafes are becoming one of the most popular weekend hangouts.

(Photo Jignesh Mistry)

MORE THAN JUST SCREENSAt Ministry of Esports in Pimple Nilakh, rows of high-end PCs, PS5 consoles, VR setups, and racing simulators make it feel less like a cafe and more like a full-fledged experience zone. But behind that is a clear intent to make gaming accessible.

“We wanted to create something that feels premium but is pocketfriendly. Otherwise, it becomes a barrier for many,” says owner Ankush Mehta.

That balance reflects in the crowd. College students drop in between classes, working professionals walk in after work, and weekend sessions go on for hours.

Dr Vipul Lunawat of Pro Gaming ISST and President of Maharashtra Esports Association, says that gaming in a shared space is livelier than playing at home. “People come in groups, and the atmosphere itself becomes the experience,” he adds.

Setup at Pro Gaming by ISST (Photo Jignesh Mistry)

THE CROWD THAT SHOWS UPSpend enough time here, and the gamer stereotype starts to dissolve.

“I’ve seen youngsters playing with people in their 40s. There were even women who came in for a kitty party and ended up playing games,” says Vikas. That widening audience is something Ankush has been noticing too. “There’s been a steady rise in female gamers. A lot of them tell us they feel comfortable at such cafes.”For 19-year-old Pankhudi Gupta, the appeal is simple but strong. “I come here thrice a week, and it is honestly my favorite part of the day. You just go, book a PS5 and play. I’d happily spend my entire afternoon there,” she shares.

(Photo Jignesh Mistry)

●High-end PC gaming (Valorant, CS, Dota, League of Legends)●Console gaming, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo (EA Sports FC aka FIFA, WWE, Mortal Kombat, Spider-Man, GTA)●VR gaming zones l Racing simulators, F1 (static & motion), MotoGP, Forza●Retro arcade machines l Co-op games like It Takes Two

Moto GP simulator at Ministry of Esports in Pimple Nilakh (Photo Jignesh Mistry)

Besides the casual crowd, there’s also a more structured ecosystem quietly taking shape.

“A lot of gamers come to train at our centres,” says Vipul, adding, “Esports is becoming a proper career path, and we’re working towards building that structure for gamers.”

From regular tournaments to brand collaborations and mentorship sessions, spaces are being designed to bridge casual gaming and competitive play. Romir Adhiya, a student and professional Valorant player, is a direct outcome of that ecosystem. What began as casual play during lockdown has evolved into something far more serious for him. “We practice almost every day. The cafe supports us with hours, and in return, we represent them. It’s a proper setup now,” he says.● PC gaming : : ₹50–₹100 per hour●Consoles (PS5): ₹100 per person/hour, group caps available●VR gaming: ₹150 per hour●F1 simulators: ₹400–₹800 depending on setup●MotoGP simulator: ₹450 for 15 minutes

(Photo Jignesh Mistry)

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Tags: competitive gaming, console gaming, Esports, female gamers, gaming cafes, gaming community, gaming experience, gaming tournaments, Ministry of Esports, VR gaming

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